Is Mountain Living Too Remote? What City Buyers Should Know

Let's Talk About "Remote"

I hear this question a lot, and I think it deserves a straight answer. Is Pine Mountain Club remote? Compared to living in LA or Bakersfield — yes. Compared to truly remote parts of California — not even close. The Frazier Mountain communities sit about 90 minutes from Los Angeles and roughly 45 minutes from Bakersfield. You're off the I-5 corridor, not at the end of a dirt road in the middle of nowhere.

But "remote" isn't just about distance. It's about what your daily life feels like — and that's where this conversation gets more interesting.

What You Gain

People don't move to the mountains for convenience. They move here for what they can't get in the city:

• Quiet — Real, deep quiet. No traffic noise, no sirens, no neighbor's TV through the wall.
• Space — Larger lots, mature trees, open sky. Properties here breathe in a way city homes don't.
• Nature at your door — Deer in the yard, hawks overhead, wildflowers in spring, snow in winter. It's not a weekend trip — it's your daily backdrop.
• A slower pace — Life moves at a steadier rhythm. You plan more, rush less, and notice things you used to drive past.
• Affordability — Your dollar goes further here than in most of Southern California. That matters whether you're buying a primary home or a weekend retreat.

What You Give Up

I'm not going to sugarcoat this part. Living in the mountains means accepting certain tradeoffs:

• Quick errands — There's no Target run on the way home. Daily essentials require a little more planning.
• Spontaneous city things — Late-night restaurants, same-day delivery, popping over to a friend's place across town — these don't work the same way.
• Medical proximity — There's a community health center in Frazier Park, but hospitals and specialists are in Bakersfield or the LA area.
• Weather adjustments — Winter conditions can affect roads and daily routines. You adapt, but it's something to take seriously.

The Adjustment Period Is Real

Almost everyone goes through an adjustment period when they first move up. The first few weeks feel exciting — new views, fresh air, a different rhythm. Then reality sets in. You realize you forgot something at the store and the nearest one is 20 minutes away. The quiet that felt peaceful starts to feel… really quiet.

This phase is normal, and it usually passes within a few months. The people who settle in well are the ones who expected it. The ones who struggle are usually the ones who didn't think about it beforehand.

Who Thrives Here

In my experience, the people who love mountain living tend to share a few things in common:

• They value peace over entertainment
• They're comfortable being self-sufficient
• They enjoy outdoor activities or simply being in nature
• They work remotely, are retired, or have flexible schedules
• They see planning ahead as a natural habit, not a burden

Who It Might Not Be For

I'll be honest — this lifestyle isn't for everyone, and that's completely fine. If you need constant stimulation, immediate access to a wide range of services, or find extended quiet uncomfortable, the mountains might feel isolating rather than peaceful. There's no shame in recognizing that. It's better to figure it out before you buy than after.

Not All Communities Feel the Same

One thing worth knowing: "remote" means different things depending on which community you're in.

• Lebec is the least remote — it sits right off I-5 with highway services and easy access to the valley.
• Frazier Park is the commercial center, with the most shops, services, and infrastructure.
• Pine Mountain Club feels more tucked away, with its own village, amenities, and 24/7 POA security — but it's just 10 minutes past Frazier Park.
• Lake of the Woods and Cuddy Valley are quieter and more secluded, with fewer services nearby.
• Lockwood Valley is the most remote — larger parcels, fewer neighbors, limited services, and a truly off-the-beaten-path feel.
• Pinion Pines Estates is elevated and private — fewer homes, more space between properties, and a rugged mountain feel without the ranch-scale land of Lockwood.

The right community depends on where you fall on the spectrum between convenience and seclusion.

The Honest Answer

Is Pine Mountain Club too remote? For some people, yes. For the right person, it's exactly remote enough. The key is knowing which one you are — and spending enough time here to find out.

Last updated February 2026